27 Jan
2023
27 Jan
'23
6:09 a.m.
On 1/26/23 17:20, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
I remember the same from banging on an ASR 33. And if
you watch videos of Linotype machine operators, the same thing is very clear: they show a
nice smooth cadence, not incredibly fast but very steady. The mechanical structure of
those machines is very complex, with many more moving parts traveling far greater
distances than typewriters have, so it's easy to imagine things jamming up if you try
to go too fast. And in some cases, jams would be seriously unpleasant, with molten lead
spraying out onto the floor and perhaps the hapless operator.
To this day, I have a memory of spending an entire class session working
on rhythm on the home keys. "Class, let's begin. A S D F J K L sem, A
S D F J K L sem..." The old office manual typewriters could easily jam
if your rhythm was off.
I didn't have the legs for shorthand.
--Chuck